Attention all ye suffering from stress, muffin tops, bad attitudes, and I’m fine I’ll just have another pint of Ben & Jerry’s.  This is the time to pull your body, mind and soul together.  A great way to kick start this is with Hamptons Wellness Week June 5th to 12th .  You can get discounts or free fitness classes so it’s time to cheat on your normal routine and try something new.  There are also special healthy food, coaching, and beauty offers …

By Heather Buchanan
Think of it as a fantastic literary mosh pit. An enthusiastic crowd of 2,000 mingled last Saturday with 100 authors at the 11th Annual Authors Night Benefit for East Hampton Library under a tent of titans of words. Considered one of the nation’s leading annual literary celebrations, the night begins with guests interacting with their favorite and new authors to get books personally inscribed, take selfies, and ask one another in excited hushed tones, “Who’s your literary crush?”

Whether you are throwing a fancy party for forty, intimate dinner for six – or just want to enjoy them vicariously – you have to pick up Hamptons Entertaining: Creating Occasions to Remember. Philanthropist, author and hostess with the mostest Annie Falk dishes up moveable feasts with recipes, table settings, and entertainment tips included.  In her book you will board a luxury yacht, enter an enchanted garden, and stroll down to the ocean for a moonlit dinner. 

There are a few magical moments when the Hamptons transform into a worthy wonderland – namely the best Hamptons fundraisers.   These fantastic events not only raise money for various causes but create memorable evenings.   Think of it as tax deductible decadence.
A few HipHamptons tips:

Find out how you can get involved beyond writing a check.
Ladies remember flats and wedges are your friends. Stilettos only work if you are aerating a lawn.
Silent Auctions are goldmines of great items at discount prices.
Bring your business card …

Admit it – we are all commitment phobes — we worry that our boyfriend, hair dresser or favorite class instructor is going to see us stepping out with someone else.  But after all isn’t life meant to be a Pu Pu Platter?  Snow White knew why settle for one guy when you could have seven.  If you want to try a healthy variety of work outs and healthy living options here’s a new model.
The news: FITRESERVE— an elevated fitness-booking membership that provides …

Live music in the Hamptons is one of summer’s sweet pleasures. It’s music with a view as these live performances are in some of the Hamptons most picturesque settings be it a beach, vineyard, lawn, or café. Here are some HipHamptons favorites.

Always a creative and positive force, Susan Rockefeller is a documentary filmmaker, author, jewelry designer and avid conservationist. Her lifelong admiration and respect for the seas led her to get involved in ocean protection.  That passion now translates into her new Dive Deep jewelry line carried by London Jewelers in East Hampton and Southampton which is sure to inspire your inner mermaid.  HipHamptons dives in to learn more about her inspiration:

You are a true renaissance woman: filmmaker, philanthropist, jewelry maker and a …

Long Island Sportsmanship Award Marks
Hampton Classic Opening Day
More than 1,500 horses gather for week-long competition

Bridgehampton, NY, Aug. 24, 2014 – Highlighting the opening ceremonies at the 39th Hampton Classic Horse Show was the presentation of the Long Island Sportsmanship Award, given annually to a Long Island horseperson who has demonstrated excellence in sportsmanship over a long period of years.
Show President Dennis Suskind and Vice …

While the Hamptons may be at their worst with summer traffic and meltdowns at delis because egg white omelets are improperly prepared, they are at their very best when it comes to fundraising for important causes.  Actress Julianne Moore hosted Sunset Cocktails on Mill Pond on Saturday Aug. 9th to benefit Children’s Health Fund at the beautiful home of Ovation Travel’s Paul and Lisa Metselaar (I was seriously coveting their rose garden.) The event raised over $140,000 for Children’s Health Fund, the …

Veronica Taylor celebrates the new Skin By Veronica location in Southampton Village at 67 Hampton Road.
Beautiful women of the Hamptons have a secret weapon – Veronica Taylor.  Celebrating 15 years as a top Hamptons esthetician, Veronica is the trusted source for youthful, glowing, radiant skin.  Her holistic training combined with cutting edge technology and new products draw a loyal following who want a natural look.

By Heather Buchanan
Bridgehampton Polo is the après beach destination for Saturday afternoons running through August 23rd.  Top players and their amazingly agile ponies take to the field for fierce competition.  While these pros make it look easy, it’s far from a ride through the park.  Sylvester Stallone once said, “Playing polo is like trying to play golf during an earthquake.”

There’s plenty of social action field side as well with viewing options which range from a blanket by the field enjoying  gourmet food …

What’s better than treating yourself at a discount.  I’m a huge fan of Hamptons Wellness Week where you can visit your favorite healers for less or discover new ways to care for yourself and your loved ones.  After all we all need to counteract summer margarita and lobster roll madness!  You can explore Hamptons health and wellness from July 13th to 20th.  You have so many great choices including some of our favorites: Paddle Diva, A Studio Day Spa, Yoga Shanti, and …

I am all about a grilled hot dog but there are plenty of things to put in your Hamptons Fourth of July bun.   Here are some of the best Hamptons Fourth of July weekend activities.  Remember that this is just an introduction and many of these events are ongoing throughout the summer.

Hamptons fundraisers are not only the place to see and be seen but a great testament to the generosity of the community to support local and national organizations.  Here’s a round up of HIpHamptons favorite Hamptons Benefits 2014. Even if you can’t make the date, you can find other ways to contribute or enjoy these cultural institutions.  A few wardrobe musts: wedge heels, creative attire as many of these events are themed, layers you can add or shed in case it’s warm …

By Heather Buchanan
Photos by LILA PHOTO
They say that too many chefs in the kitchen is a bad thing but at the Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival that proved quite untrue.  When it’s Daniel Boulud, David Burke, and Todd English all you can say is “I’m in.”  Taste buds were percolating in anticipation and promises of pilates and green juicing quickly went out the window in favor of a foie gras hotdog and baba with rum gelée and vanilla Chantilly.
For snowbirds heading …

If you need a little help with your New Years Resolution to get fit and healthy, Hamptons Wellness week January 12 – 17  is your jump start.

Hamptons Wellness Week consists of $5 fitness classes at over 15 premiere fitness studios between Montauk and Westhampton, evening lectures and learning, coaching and connecting, and, of course, celebrating. Kiley Sabatino of One Healthy Hamptons seeks to celebrate wellness and make health more accessible throughout the community.  This is your chance to try all sorts of …

A few reasons to take a trip south:  it’s dark in the middle of the day; Uggs are the new stilettos; you’ve watched every episode of Homeland (twice); your cat is giving you a dirty look because you’ve used all the kitty litter to melt the snow in the driveway.

Luckily a glamorous retreat awaits you in a lush tropical setting, The Brazilian Court Hotel in the heart of Palm Beach. Built in 1926, the classic Spanish-Mediterranean style hotel holds a …

This Saturday/Oct 5 and Sunday/Oct 6, Topping Rose House will host an Autumn Orchard Festival, celebrating the start of the fall season.
Topping Rose House welcomes adults and kids to partake in the festivities at Topping Rose House’s orchard. Family-friendly activities include pumpkin decorating, making caramel apples, farm tours and activities. Mulled cider, local beer, cider doughnuts and grilled sausages and veggies will be served.
The Autumn Orchard Festival takes place both Sat/Oct 5 and Sun/Oct 6 from 12pm to 3pm. Admission is all-inclusive, $35 for adults, and $15 …

By Coral King
Photos By Mark Sherman
My boyfriend and I decided to go to Anguilla for our summer vacation.  I first heard about the pristine island with the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches at the Bridgehampton Polo Challenge, so we ventured on a four day weekend departing New York early on Friday.  As we arrived in St. Marteen, we took a semi private boat with six other tourists over to Anguilla.  We were then greeted by a representative of our hotel, Cap Juluca, and …

In the modern, stressed, toxic, “there’s no time for me” world we live in, women (and men) are facing health challenges.  Your secret of success for feeling and looking well is Hamptons healer Aimee Raupp author of Chill Out & Get Healthy.  And if your hormones are amok or you’re looking to increase your fertility now or for the future or deal with decreasing hormones she is the expert.
A licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and book author Aimee Raupp is a woman’s health and …

ADORNIA jewelry took high fashion to the high seas in Montauk with their pop-up sail aboard the SS Adornia, a vintage luxury catamaran to preview their latest collection The Palms on models clad in swimsuits by 6 Shore Road.
You know your jewelry is a hot commodity when a man on a neighboring boat jumps overboard to swim with his VISA to your pop up store on a yacht to make a purchase.  The soggy gentleman figured if he could swim while holding …

All eyes have been on the Watchcase condominium development in Sag Harbor and getting an invitation to one of their events is a way to act as if you are already one of the lucky owners.
Jay McInerney, noted author and wine authority, hosted a small gathering at Cape Advisors’s Watchcase to do a tasting of rosés and read from his book The Juice.
Jay conducted a blind tasting of four different rosé wines, Provence vs. Long Island. Guests tasted two wines from Long Island …

It’s a whole weekend of PINK.  The Ellen Hermanson Foundation which created a legacy to support women with breast cancer and established a center at Southampton Hospital will get you walking, running, dancing and even eating to help the cause.
The Pink Apron event on Saturday August 17th features delectable from celebrity chefs then on Sunday August 18th there is the 5K run/walk Ellen’s Run starting at 9am.  For more information and tickets. www.ellensrun.org.

If you’re looking for one of the hidden best Hamptons spas, you can head to Wainscott and feel like you are walking into an exotic spa right out of Indochine.  La Don was created by Thuyen Nguyen to feel like a beautifully decorated Far East meets East End oasis.  Nguyen wanted to raise the bar on Hamptons spas for his clients who enjoy the intimacy and exclusivity of the private setting.  “I wanted to avoid a retail setting that felt cold or …

The James Beard Foundation Chefs and Champagne® New York 2013 held Saturday at Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack has become a destination like Woodstock for foodies but with much better behaved attendees.  It’s an all-star lineup of 35 of the top chefs of New York, the East End and beyond, and for the devoted tasters they wish it would go on for days.
Libations included Champagne Charles de Cazanova Brut NV, Wolffer Estate Vineyard Wines, and beers at the Taste of Belgium Café …

Goodness knows there’s a lot of commitment phobia going around the Hamptons this summer.  Well there is one event where you are encouraged to play the field, explore different options, and spread the love.  When there are thirty five top chefs in the house, this is no time for monogamy.
The James Beard Foundation Chefs & Champagne® New York will be held at Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack this Saturday July 20th with a VIP Experience starting at 5pm and the main event …

Jimena Fama brings her tango with a twist music to Wolffer Vineyard for Sunset Saturday on June 22 from 5 to sunset.  What better way to celebrate the summer solstice than a great Latin groove with Tango Conspiracy.  Check out the Wolffer Wine Stand on the Montauk Highway in Sagaponack for live music every Friday and Saturday at sunset and at the main vineyard on Thursday evening.
Jimena has an impressive resume for one so young. Let’s just say she’s super cool.

There is a secret oasis in East Hampton Village, a place to relax and revel in self-care away from the hustle and bustle of a busy summer season.  The Salon Bar at 66 Newtown Lane is tucked away on the second floor, a large bright white space with a glittering new Hamptons spa.  Different rooms are dedicated to manicures, pedicures, hair salon, massages and facials with a bar for a sparkling water or sparkling body glitter art.

Executive Chef Todd Jacobs has created one of the best new Hamptons restaurants of 2013, living up to its name FRESH in many ways.  Fresh offers an innovative menu sure to please any vegans, vegetarians, or gluten free dieters with plenty to satisfy carnivores and gastronomical gluttons.  Jacobs invites you to enjoy the great flavor and energy packed into the menu.

I have been sitting on Santa’s lap for decades now whispering my desires in his ear.  Sometimes my wishes are noble like helping a friend’s talented daughter get a scholarship to art school and other times completely frivolous (you haven’t lived until you’ve gotten a faux mink car ice scraper.)  For  those of us in the Hamptons we have many reasons to count our blessings.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to light up the Hamptons holiday season.

By Heather Buchanan
Okay, so maybe you weren’t the girl slathered in baby oil with the foil face sun reflector but that doesn’t mean you are not at risk for skin cancer.  According to a 2005 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the number of women under age 40 diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma has more than doubled in 30 years while cases of squamous cell carcinoma among women under 40 increased almost 700 percent.  And that’s when global warming …

By Heather Buchanan
For a happy Hamptons Thanksgiving we have a few HipHamptons Do’s & Don’ts as well as a list of great activities for the weekend.
Don’t mess with the stuffing –
Let’s face it – It’s not really about the turkey, it’s about what’s inside.  The family wants the old fashioned stuffing served every year.  Don’t go all crazy on it with truffles, dates, and cognac.  Your family will be upset… for a while.
Don’t play with the turkey parts –
Yes it seems super …

By Heather Buchanan
Greetings at the third annual Harvest East End Food and Wine Classic went something like this:
“Orlmmm, yermm, hold on a sec and let me get a napkin.”  With so many delectable edibles and fine wines, it was literally hard to get a word in edgewise. Organized by Merliance and the Long Island Wine Council and presented by Wine Spectator, Harvest East End was the epicurean destination, held this year at the regal Hampton Classic show grounds.

by Heather Buchanan
Photos Rob Rich www.societyallure.com
Bridgehampton Polo celebrated the grand finale of its 16th season on Saturday August 25th with a fabulous field-side flourish.  Team CIRCA emerged victorious over White Birch by a score of 11 to 10 in the Vertu Hamptons Cup.
The members of CIRCA and their ponies fought valiantly for the win in a close match which went down to the wire.  The Official Timekeeper of Bridgehampton Piaget had crucial importance.

What’s Your Hamptons Summer Bucket List?  Here’s some not to miss moments.

EVENTS:

Harvest East End – Saturday August 25th 6p to 9p
Here is the food version of speed dating. No need to commit because you have so many delicious options of local food and wine from top chefs and vintners. Benefitting the Group For The East End, Peconic Land Trust, and East End Hospice this epicurean festival is a true delight. Be sure to check out …

By Heather Buchanan
Photos by Rob Rich www.societyallure.com
Safety first is the motto of Bridgehampton Polo so with the rain-slicked fields the match was cancelled to ensure safety of player and his trusted mount.  Both ponies and players enjoyed a day off with some of polo’s top stars stopping by the VIP tent to enjoy the afternoon reception including Mariano Aguerre, one of the few players to reach the perfect 10 goal handicap.

Listen up fans of Sunset Beach.  Attention s’il vous plait.  Gilt City has a special offer right now for a three course dinner at Sunset Beach on Shelter Island hosted by Lee Schrager, the impresario behind the Food Network South Beach and the New York City Food and Wine Festivals.

On Sunday August 19th you’ll get not only the gorgeous sunset views with their very female flattering hues but Mark Zeitouni, the Executive Chef from Miami’s The Standard Spa to walk you …

By Heather Buchanan
photos by Rob Rich www.societyallure.com

The third time is the charm for Bridgehampton Polo where the weather gods cooperated to allow match play on August 4th.  Larry Boland, President of Piaget N.A. the Official Timekeeper of Bridgehampton Polo commented, “Rain or shine, Bridgehampton Polo is a great fit for Piaget…though we prefer sunshine! We’re looking forward to welcoming our clients out this weekend to enjoy the festivities and hopefully, another exciting match.”

It was a heroic effort for both teams in …

By Heather Buchanan
If you’ve never descended down the rabbit hole to Robert Wilson’s Watermill Center’s annual gala, you have missed one of most coveted experiences in Hamptons fundraising.  This year’s Big Bang proved that the creative spirit is alive, well and being nurtured, raising over $1.5 million for the Watermill Center’s year round artist residency and education programs.  With input from all these creative minds this was no business-as-usual benefit under the big top.

There was na’er a plastic glass of cheap wine …

By Heather Buchanan
Photos by Rob Rich www.societyallure.com

Although rain cancelled the polo match, the exclusive party in the VIP tent at Bridgehampton Polo continued on Saturday July 28th.  Designer Nicole Miller didn’t get the chance for the opening coin toss, but still displayed her signature style.  Many a fashionable Hamptons woman was checking the weather on her iPhone with its special Nicole Miller designed case.

By Heather Buchanan
Photos by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com

Bridgehampton Polo 2012 opened its Sweet Sixteenth Season on Saturday July 21st, albeit with an exhibition match due to the slick rain-soaked field. Luckily the sun was shining on the who’s who of the Hamptons sophisticated social scene.  Guests under the VIP tent were happy to luxuriate in the lounge area with a crisp Bertaud Belieu Rosé or Grey Goose Vodka Hamptons Punch infused with fresh grapefruit and strawberries.

Beautiful picnic baskets from Gabby Karan De Felice’s Tutto …

By Holly Buchanan
“I have but one regret in life, that I didn’t drink more champagne.” John Maynard Keynes
Well, that’s certainly a fate I don’t intend to share.
Giddy is the only appropriate word to describe what I felt walking into the James Beard Foundation’s 2012 Chefs & Champagne® New York at the bucolic Wolffer Estate Vineyard.  Ah, so many inspired, delicious dishes, fabulous champagne (and wine) and so little time.   It was like speed dating for foodies – a whirlwind tour of over …

There comes a point in a long, social summer where you just can’t look at another boring glass of chardonnay. Hennessy decided to spice things up, treating guests to the Holidays Hamptons-Style.  In this heat, you can’t beat a dose of a wintery wonderland filled with amazing cocktails with a gentle water mist blowing pool side.  While you may picture yourself sipping cognac by the fire in Aspen, you may be surprised that Hennessy V.S. is a go-to spirit for mixed …

The spotlight is back on Bridgehampton Polo and this year firmly focused on the field. In its 16th Season Bridgehampton Polo 2012 returns to Two Trees Farm for six consecutive Saturdays from July 21st through August 25th.   The game itself is front and center this year with a more luxurious viewing experience.  Former years of “bigger is better” are being replaced with a “quality over quantity” approach.

Last season, the Bridgehampton Polo Club brought in veteran polo publicist and event organizer Shamin Abas …

By Heather Buchanan
Hamptons fundraisers are supposed to be like children – you love them all equally.  But we know that’s not really true.  Everyone has favorites. The James Beard Foundation Chefs and Champagne® New York on Saturday July 21st is consistently is a top pick for the finger-licking good food, top notch bubbly and wine, spectacular setting, silent auction that has your Master Card maxing out, and great camaraderie.  Chefs may be known for their egos but when you see them all …

Grand Opening Of Skin By Veronica in its new location at 67 Hampton Road LL1 in Southampton Village.
Special Celebration August 23 from 4 – 7 with food by Mary’s Marvelous.
Hamptons women with beautiful skin have a secret weapon.  Veronica Taylor.  With Skin By Veronica, she approaches skin as your largest organ and guides clients not just in the topical treatment but from the inside out.  Her motto is, “Being healthy is beautiful.”  Veronica describes her approach as East meets West with the …

By Heather Buchanan
Photos by Owen Hoffman for Patrick McMullan Company

It wasn’t only the lightning that set off sparks in the tent for the 650 Hamptonites who came out support the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education at Love Heals at Luna Farms in Sagaponack, raising over $300,000.  Unlike the senior blue-blazered crowd found at many Hamptons benefits, this was the sizzling social set.  You know an organization is dedicated to safe sex when they make sure every goody bag contains a “Proper …

A new spa has opened its blue and white doors in Sag Harbor.  The Rejuvenation Spa has the affordable price of $79 for an hour massage (Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, shiatsu, pre-natal, sport, jet-lag, Tui-Na, and aromatherapy.)  Book me early and often and for sure tell me what Tui-Na is!
Owner Therese Lindstrom and husband Bill Kamaras wanted a boutique spa that focused on healing to serve the local community with very affordable pricing, about half of the price of a massage at …

Kelly Killoren Bensimon arrived at Chris Burch’s C. Wonder boutique on Main Street in Southampton on Saturday to sign her new book “I Can Make You HOT!”
You have to love an event where the first person standing in line is an aging man in a polo to buy “I Can Make You HOT!.”  He was a bit surprised to find out it was about dieting.  Rubbing herself in honey is, alas, only Kelly’s skin softening trick.
It is admittedly hard to resist the …